Neals Surname

The Origins of the Surname Neals

The surname Neals is of English origin, derived from the personal name Neal, which itself is derived from the Old Irish name Niall. The name Niall is believed to mean "champion" or "cloud" in Gaelic. It is a name that has deep roots in Irish history and mythology, with many notable figures bearing the name throughout the centuries.

Early Origins of the Neals Surname

The Neals surname first appeared in records in England in the 12th century, with early bearers of the name being landowners and nobility. The surname spread throughout England and Wales over the centuries, with variations such as Neale, Nealson, and Nealon also emerging.

One notable bearer of the Neals surname was Sir John Neals, a knight who fought in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. He distinguished himself in battle and was rewarded with lands and titles by King Henry V.

The Neals Surname in the United States

The Neals surname has a strong presence in the United States, with the highest incidence of the name being recorded in the states of California, Texas, and Florida. Many Neals families can trace their roots back to early settlers who arrived in the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Notable individuals with the surname Neals in the United States include Terry Neals, a civil rights activist who played a key role in the desegregation of schools in the Southern states in the 1960s, and Dr. Jennifer Neals, a leading neurosurgeon based in New York City.

The Neals Surname Around the World

While the Neals surname is most commonly found in the United States, it also has a presence in other countries around the world. According to data, the surname has a significant incidence in Canada, England, South Africa, Australia, France, India, Peru, and Russia.

In Canada, the Neals surname is most prevalent in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, where many families of British descent have settled over the years. In England, the surname is most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, reflecting the historical migration patterns of the English population.

In South Africa, the Neals surname is linked to early Dutch and British settlers who arrived in the country in the 17th and 18th centuries. Many Neals families in South Africa can trace their lineage back to these early pioneers.

Overall, the Neals surname has a rich and diverse history, with connections to Ireland, England, and the United States. It is a name that carries with it a sense of heritage and pride for many individuals around the world.

The surname Neals into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent occurs in the case of Neals, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that can be found in a lot of the countries associated with globe. Just as you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals because of the surname Neals is more than in other countries.

The map of this Neals surname

1. United States (561)
2. Canada (43)
3. England (12)
4. South Africa (2)
5. Australia (1)
6. France (1)
7. India (1)
8. Peru (1)
9. Russia (1)